After a humbling loss to Stanford last weekend, 18th ranked Arizona will host USC this Saturday and try to rebound from its second loss of the season.

The Wildcats were pounded on both sides of the ball last week against a better-prepared Stanford team. The Arizona defense was worn down, and it certainly won’t get too much of a break against a Trojans offense that is deep and talented.

Led by quarterback Matt Barkley, USC has put up big numbers on offense against some quality teams as of late. They put up 48 on California, 32 on Oregon, and 34 in the last game against Arizona State. The Trojans also have a very solid running attack, averaging just under 200 yards per game, and good for 23rd in the country.

However, on defense, it’s a completely different story for USC. They have been dismal this year, which is a stark comparison if you look at USC defenses of the last decade. Arizona can have its way with the Trojans D if Nick Foles can come back strongly from a poor outing against Stanford. With that game out of the way, and another week of full practice, I would expect Foles to be back to his usual self, passing for around 300 yards and a couple of scores against a lackluster Trojans defense.

This game has the potential for a shootout. If both offenses get it going, I don’t see either defense making much of a stand until perhaps late in the ballgame. Look out for Juron Criner in this game; he could have a huge day against a secondary that hasn’t proven itself all season long. Also, if Nick Foles still isn’t fully comfortable staring for UA, USC has the potential to win this game. But ultimately, I think the Arizona defense is better than USC’s, and the Arizona offense had been playing at a superior level prior to last week’s game against Stanford. My prediction is 35-30 Arizona in a close one.